Diane Vaughan, Foundation of Wesley Woods President
Wesley Woods Senior Living envisions a world in which older adults are celebrated for the lives they have lived, the wisdom they share, and everything they have yet to teach us.
In this Q&A, Diane Vaughan, the Foundation of Wesley Woods president, talks about its mission and ministry and how the Georgia United Methodist Foundation, in partnership with Wespath Institutional Investments, safeguards its investments.
Q: Please tell us about Wesley Woods and the Foundation of Wesley Woods?
Vaughan: Founded in 1954, Wesley Woods provides safe, affordable residential housing and support services for older adults throughout North Georgia. It operates 10 residential communities, including five HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) communities in Atlanta, Augusta, Athens, Blairsville, Roswell, and Newnan. More than 1,800 older adults, 75% of whom will need financial assistance and over 40% of which live below the poverty line, are served annually in Wesley Woods communities. The Foundation of Wesley Woods exists to support the mission of Wesley Woods Senior Living to create communities of connection, well-being and promise. We achieve this by providing financial assistance for residents who have exhausted their resources, chaplains in each community who provide compassionate pastoral care, and wellness nurses and wellness programming to enable residents to live independently longer.
Q: What are the benefits of partnering with the Foundation and Wespath Institutional Investments on the investment of the Foundation of Wesley Woods funds?
Vaughan: It’s not often that you get to choose an investment partner that shares your mission, vision, and values, but that’s what we have with the Georgia United Methodist Foundation. The Foundation provides monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and can provide customized reports at our pleasure. This is extremely important for our organization, as it gives an extra layer of visibility to our investments.
Q: How does the Foundation help the Foundation of Wesley Woods fulfill its mission?
Vaughan: Our mission is to create communities of connection, well-being and promise. The Foundation safeguards our investments so that they may be used in future years to further our mission through both internal and external growth initiatives. The word “create” rings quite literally to what the Foundation is helping us achieve! The Foundation has also been the first sponsor in the door of our annual Heroes, Saints & Legends gala. Their vital support at the “Saint” level demonstrates their commitment to our mission.
Q: How would you describe your experience partnering with the Georgia United Methodist Foundation?
Vaughan: The entire team is professional, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable in their areas of expertise. We could not ask for a better business partner and look forward to many years of partnership.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Vaughan: It is wonderful to be in partnership with the Georgia United Methodist Foundation, knowing they believe in and support our mission, and they steward our financial resources as they would their own.
